Andi 
When I was younger, the months—or even years—between trips to somewhere warm, exotic, and tropical felt endless. I’d spend days dreaming of the next escape. That wait could feel like an eternity, especially as winter stretched on in Germany and the only palm trees in sight were the ones in travel brochures. But as any …
If you’ve ever set foot in the Philippines, you might’ve felt a little jolt of culture shock—not for the usual reasons, but because this island nation feels so different from its Southeast Asian neighbors. After living here for more than 13 years, I sometimes have to remind myself that the Philippines is technically part of …
There are many kinds of travel, most of them exciting, filled with anticipation and curiosity. But then, there are journeys you never want to make—the ones you dread, yet have to embark on when you’re living thousands of miles away from family. For expats, this is the hardest part: when you get the call that …
When we first decided to add Cambodia to our Southeast Asia trip, I’ll admit—my knowledge barely extended beyond spotting it on a map and knowing a few scattered facts about its tragic recent history. Angkor Wat, that legendary sprawl of ancient temple ruins, was the main draw. Like so many travelers, we came for the …
After weeks on the road, it’s time to look back and ask: Was it worth it? What stuck with me the most? Our Vietnam and Cambodia trip was full of contrasts—ancient temples, bustling cities, tranquil landscapes, and a few unexpected aches and pains. But if I had to pick a place that left the deepest …
Let’s face it: travel snobs are everywhere. You’ve probably met at least one—if not, check the mirror (just kidding!). The ancient debate rages on: Are you a traveler or a tourist? Let’s settle this once and for all… or at least have a good laugh. Meet the Cast The Tourist The Traveler The Profi Traveler …
Some travel days are filled with sights, stories, and sensory overload. Others focus on the journey itself—and, if you’re fortunate, a surprisingly luxurious airport lounge experience. Day 16 was the latter. The experience made us reflect on how transit days often offer some of the most memorable moments of a trip, blending the thrill of …
Before visiting Cambodia, I’ll admit—I didn’t really have the country on my travel radar. Like many people, the only image that came to mind was Angkor Wat, its ancient spires rising out of the jungle. I knew little about the rest of the country, except for a vague awareness of its troubled past. Growing up, …
Let’s be real for a second: writing a blog can be frustrating. There’s this romantic idea that you’ll pour your heart, soul, and many, many hours into a post—crafting sentences, tweaking metaphors, reliving stories you can’t wait to share—and then, miraculously, a crowd of readers will appear to devour every word. Maybe they’ll leave thoughtful …
Today, a travel dream that’s been simmering on my bucket list for over 30 years finally became reality. Angkor Wat—yes, that Angkor Wat—has always felt like a place out of reach, something for other travelers, or maybe just the pages of National Geographic. To finally see it with my own eyes, after decades of dreaming, …